Adu wishes history-making Sullivan luck after 14-year-old makes MLS bow

Freddy Adu wished Cavan Sullivan luck after the 14-year-old broke a long-standing MLS record.

Sullivan came on from the bench to make his debut for the Philadelphia Union in a 5-1 win over the New England Revolution on Wednesday.

At the age of 14 years and 293 days, midfielder Sullivan is the youngest player in MLS history, breaking the record set by Adu in 2004.

Indeed, it is not only an MLS record that Sullivan has now taken. He is also the youngest player to make his regular-season debut among the top North American professional sports leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and CFL).

“Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today,” Adu wrote on X.

“That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man.”

Cavan Sullivan has entered the match in the 85’ and has officially become the youngest player to make his regular-season debut among the top North American professional sports leagues at 14 years, 293 days old.#DOOP pic.twitter.com/gNx0RqKCsW

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 18, 2024

Speaking to the Union’s official media channels, Sullivan said: “It’s pretty awesome, there’s no feeling like this, it’s pretty cool. The leagues get younger, so I might not hold it for a while, but I’ll cherish it for sure.”

Sullivan came on in the 85th minute, just after his older brother Quinn had scored the Union’s fifth goal.

“I asked him a few questions along the way, he’s always helpful,” Sullivan added. “To watch him score, I’m really proud of him.”